Work proceeds apace on the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
A letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies dated 13 January 2020.
Dear Bahá’í Friends,
To follow developments in the Shrine construction project and other news, consider subscribing to email updates from Bahá’í World News Service via https://news.bahai.org/subscribe/
The Universal House of Justice is pleased to be able to share with you news of the progress that has been made in the construction of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. In the months since the decision to build the Shrine was announced, the land that will support the central structure and the surrounding gardens has been undergoing preparations, and work on the building’s foundations is advancing. Meanwhile, detailed architectural designs and landscaping plans are being developed to prepare for future stages of the project, and steps are being taken to ensure that construction materials of the necessary quality and quantity will be ready when needed.
More information, including video footage and images of these developments, is being made available at the website of the Bahá’í World News Service (BWNS), https://news.bahai.org/. As the project progresses further and particular milestones are reached, additional articles will be published there so that the Bahá’í world is kept informed. With this in mind, the friends are encouraged to turn periodically to the BWNS, which at this time publishes articles in English, French, Persian, and Spanish, for updates about the construction project. You may wish to remind your communities of the availability of a subscription service, through which individuals can be notified about new articles by email as soon as they are issued. You may also disseminate the updates provided by the BWNS through your newsletters.
With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Department of the Secretariat
cc: International Teaching Centre; Boards of Counsellors; Counsellors
A momentous endeavour begins: Groundwork being laid for the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Note: links within this article are listed in their full form at the bottom of the page.
See the BWNS website for this article, in its original form, with video and photos.
BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE, 13 January 2020, (BWNS) — Work has begun on the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The chosen site near the Ridván garden in ‘Akká has been prepared, and construction of the building’s foundation is progressing.
During the Ridván festival last April, the Universal House of Justice made an announcement that exhilarated the Bahá’í world: the time had come to raise a befitting Shrine that would be the final resting place for the sacred remains of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Enthusiasm has mounted over the months since with the announcement of the architect and the unveiling of the design concept for a unique edifice that will honour a figure with a distinct station.
While these developments occurred, construction work began with a thorough examination of the site’s ground composition and drainage, involving exploratory drilling at 29 points.
Next, to allow work with heavy machinery to progress on the soft soil even in damp winter conditions, a 50 centimetre platform of compacted stone was laid across the whole circular area—170 metres in diameter—that will enclose the Shrine and surrounding landscaping. Concrete piles have been driven 15 meters deep, on which the foundation of the central structure is now being built.
At the same time, preparations have begun for the next stages of the project: detailed architectural and landscaping plans to realize the design concept are being drawn up, and a search for suitable sources of building materials is well under way.
Collaboration with local authorities has been essential, whether in obtaining the necessary permits, fostering understanding of the project among neighbouring residents, or working with the Israel Antiquities Authority to ensure that the rich history of the area is respected and preserved.
Throughout the design process, care has been taken to account for environmental factors. The Ridván garden, located on a low-lying plain by the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, is protected by walls and earthworks that were built several years ago to help secure the gardens against flooding. The Shrine will be built on a gently sloping berm that will raise the central structure several meters to account for rising sea levels.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá was a resident of ‘Akká for four decades. He arrived as a prisoner and an exile alongside His Father, Bahá’u’lláh. Despite the many tragedies and adversities He suffered there, He made ‘Akká his home and dedicated Himself to serving the people of the city, especially its poor. In time, He came to be known and revered throughout the region.
He spent the last years of His life in Haifa, and upon His passing was interred there within the Shrine of the Báb. When His earthly remains are transferred to the permanent Shrine, ‘Akká will witness the return of a figure who left an indelible mark on that city. The News Service will continue to cover the developments of this momentous endeavour through articles and brief notices, which will be collected in a new section of the website.
Links in the above article
The article in its original form on the BWNS website: https://news.bahai.org/story/1382/
First announcement by the Universal House of Justice of plans for the Shrine: https://universalhouseofjustice.bahai.org/Ridván-messages/20190420_001
Announcement of the architect: https://news.bahai.org/story/1325/
Unveiling of the design concept: https://news.bahai.org/story/1353/
“A figure with a distinct station”: https://www.bahai.org/abdul-baha/
BWNS website section on the Shrine: https://news.bahai.org/construction-of-the-shrine-of-abdul-baha/
To follow developments in the Shrine construction project and other news, consider subscribing to email updates from Bahá’í World News Service via https://news.bahai.org/subscribe/
Featured photo
In April 2019, the Universal House of Justice announced that the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Baha would “lie on the crescent traced between the Holy Shrines in Akka and Haifa.” Photo from Bahá’í World News Service (BWNS), https://news.bahai.org/story/1382/ (copyright © Bahá'í International Community)
